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Quick Facts:
Springfield
Children’s Mercy announced today the hiring of a new leader whose role underscores its commitment to expanding access to specialized pediatric care for families in Springfield and surrounding communities. Children’s Mercy has named Jennifer Murray, senior director for the Children’s Mercy with Mercy partnership, effective today.
In her new position, Murray will provide operational leadership to advance the shared vision of Children’s Mercy with Mercy. Her focus will be on strengthening pediatric services, supporting caregivers and ensuring families receive specialized care close to home. Murray will report directly to Debbie Schwartzkopf, interim chief administrative officer of Children’s Mercy with Mercy.
“I am thrilled to welcome Jennifer to our team as we continue expanding and advancing the future of children’s health care,” said Schwartzkopf. “We are embracing a bold vision: to distinctively transform children’s health and health care by improving access, care delivery, care coordination and overall value for children and families.”
Before moving into her new role as senior director for Children’s Mercy with Mercy, Murray was part of the Mercy Springfield team for several years. Most recently, she served as the director of nursing for women’s and children’s services at Mercy Springfield Hospital.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jennifer Murray for more than 10 years and have seen her leadership skills on display countless times,” said John Burson, regional service line chair for pediatrics at Mercy Springfield Communities. “Jennifer is a tireless advocate for kids in our community, and her years as a leader at Mercy help her understand what our families and patients need as we enhance pediatric care alongside Children’s Mercy.”
Murray brings nearly three decades of neonatal nursing experience and a deep passion for caring for children and families. Over the past 18+ years in leadership, she has guided teams across women’s, children’s, emergency and behavioral health services – always with a focus on quality, safety, collaboration and growth.
“The Children’s Mercy with Mercy partnership represents an extraordinary opportunity to bring together clinical excellence, innovation and a shared commitment to children,” Murray said. “I am honored to step into this role and excited to work alongside dedicated teams to strengthen pediatric care delivery, support our caregivers and ensure families receive the right care, at the right time, close to home.”
Murray is known as a collaborative, steady leader who values relationships, teamwork and mission driven care. Her commitment to children and families extends beyond the hospital walls, as she is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice at the University of Missouri Sinclaire School of Nursing and is actively involved in community and philanthropic efforts focused on serving and improving outcomes for children.
The Children’s Mercy with Mercy joint venture was officially launched on Nov. 1, 2025.
Children’s Mercy is now providing management for a wide range of hospital-based pediatric services for Mercy in Springfield, including:
- Pediatric Inpatient Care
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
- Pediatric Surgery
- Pediatric Emergency Department (Peds ED)
- Pediatric Outpatient Procedures (POPs)
- Child Life Services
- Pediatric Social Work
- Pediatric Respiratory Therapy
- Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy
In mid-November, Children's Mercy announced plans to build a new, dedicated pediatric outpatient facility in Springfield on the Mercy South campus. Construction is now underway, with an anticipated opening date in Dec. 2026.
